Tour historic homes in Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society's Housewalk will showcase a variety of architectural styles Friday, including contemporary, farmhouse, colonial and French chateau.

Owners of the four houses will leave for the day, and the Infant Welfare Society's volunteers will give guided tours of the artistic and architecturally impressive dwellings.

Chairman Laura Eskilson said the goal is to raise money for the agencies Infant Welfare supports. The society consists of about 70 women who are committed to the well-being of Glen Ellyn's children in need.

"It's our largest fund-raiser, and we hope to raise about $85,000 this year," she said.

Last year the group raised about $50,000. But this year, because they kicked off a new tour guide booklet that includes information about the houses and ads, they've already raised $45,000.

"The biggest thing we're most excited about is how much money we were able to get in donations for this event," Eskilson said. "We're hoping that merchants will get excited about it and get even more advertising and sponsorship next year."

Every year, four houses are chosen to participate in the event.

"Our criteria is really just that each home is very different from each other," Eskilson said.

If you go

What: Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society's 24th Annual Housewalk

When: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Where: The Kreiling Home at 386 Main St., the Crisman Home at 715 Crescent Blvd., the Bennett Home at 739 Duane St. and the Plass Home at 905 Jenna Court

Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the homes Friday for $35

Details: Visit www.glenellyninfantwelfare.org